Can a packed rock bed thermal energy storage system be cost effective?

This paper describes the design and modelling of an experimental test facility for a cost effective packed rock bed thermal energy storage system. Cost effective, simplified designs for the different subsystems of an experimental setup are developed based on the availability of materials and equipment.

Is 450 kWh a high temperature thermal energy storage rock bed?

In this study, a two-dimensional model of an existing high temperature thermal energy storage rock bed unit with 450 kWh of thermal capacity is implemented. A description of the geometry, equations and boundary conditions is provided, as well as a comparison of the model results with the experimental data logged from the reference testing unit.

What is rock-based energy storage?

This rock-based energy storage has recently gained significant attention due to its capability to hold large amounts of thermal energy, relatively simple storage mechanism and low cost of storage medium.

Can rocks be used as a thermal energy storage medium?

Using rocks as a storage medium and air as a heat transfer fluid, the proposed concept offers the potential of lower cost storage because of the abundance and affordability of rocks. A packed rock bed thermal energy storage (TES) concept is investigated and a design for an experimental rig is done.

Are rocks more suitable for storage involving high-temperature application?

Nevertheless, rocks have the ability to hold higher temperatures than water and have relatively higher density. 27 Hence, rocks may be more suitable for storage involving high-temperature application. Heat stored in sensible thermal energy storage and latent thermal energy storage.

How is levelized cost of storage applied to thermal energy storage design?

The Levelized Cost of Storage is innovatively applied to thermal energy storage design. A complete methodology to design packed bed thermal energy storage is proposed. In doing so, a comprehensive multi-objective optimization of an industrial scale packed bed is performed.